Who Should I Start? James Cook or Khalil Herbert

Monday, January 22, 12:31 AM

Buffalo Bills running back James Cook started hot but faded late as his team was sent home in Sunday's 27-24 Divisional Round loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, carrying 18 times for 61 yards and catching four passes for 21 yards. With the Bills dominating on the ground in the first half, Cook picked up one chunk gain after another. But the Chiefs stiffened up to stifle Cook during the second half, leaving the 24-year-old with a fairly quiet evening despite his second straight week with 22 touches. Cook undoubtedly took a big step forward in 2023 -- garnering his first Pro Bowl nod and placing third at his position in scrimmage yards -- but his inability to find the end zone was a major shortcoming. Totaling five TDs on the season on 325 touches including the playoffs, Cook also failed to reach the 90-total-yard threshold in any of his final five appearances. That probably shouldn't prevent Cook from being selected as a top-12 fantasy RB, however, in 2024 drafts.

Sunday, January 7, 10:31 PM

Chicago Bears running back Khalil Herbert had another chance to see a bulk of the workload with D'Onta Foreman (coach's decision) out again in Week 18. The 25-year-old rushed 12 times for just 28 yards in the team's 17-9 loss to the Packers while also catching two passes for 13 yards. After rushing for 731 yards a year ago, Herbert couldn't take a step forward and ended the year with just 583 yards with similar volume. The Bears drafted Roschon Johnson in 2023, and Herbert failed to separate himself this year as the true lead back for the foreseeable future. While the Bears were a run-heavy team in 2023, which allowed Herbert to thrive at times, they will either endure massive offensive change or continue to have a quarterback who takes rushing opportunities away. Herbert will look to earn a full bell-cow role in 2024.